Final answer:
A chemical reaction occurs when Fe(NO₃)₂ and Na₂CO₃ are mixed, resulting in the formation of insoluble FeCO₃ (s) and soluble sodium nitrate. The net ionic equation is Fe²⁺ (aq) + CO₃²⁻ (aq) → FeCO₃ (s).
Step-by-step explanation:
When Fe(NO₃)₂ and Na₂CO₃ are mixed, a chemical reaction occurs. Looking at the solubility rules and the expected products of this reaction, we predict that iron(II) hydroxide, Fe(OH)2, would precipitate out, as hydroxides are generally insoluble with the exception of those formed with alkali metals and some alkaline earth metals, and iron is not one of these.
The complete ionic equation for this reaction is as follows:
However, the solubility rules indicate that carbonates are generally insoluble except for those formed with alkali metals, indicating that FeCO₃ would precipitate while the sodium and nitrate ions remain in solution as spectator ions. The net ionic equation therefore simplifies to:
Fe²⁺ (aq) + CO₃²⁻ (aq) → FeCO₃ (s)
This identifies the reaction between Fe(NO₃)₂ and Na₂CO₃ as a precipitation reaction, producing an insoluble iron(II) carbonate precipitate and soluble sodium nitrate.